MissionH24’s H24EVO Prototype Advances with Toyota Collaboration
MissionH24’s hydrogen-powered H24EVO prototype has significantly progressed following its new technical partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, established in June. This collaboration aims to enhance the prototype’s design, particularly focusing on the transition from gaseous to liquid hydrogen storage.
During a recent press conference at the World Endurance Championship (WEC) event in Fuji, key figures including ACO President Pierre Fillon and Toyota Gazoo Racing Vice Chairman Kazuki Nakajima provided insights into the advancements made. MissionH24’s Technical Director Bassel Aslan noted substantial modifications to the vehicle’s aerodynamics and cooling systems, prompted by initial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies that identified deficiencies in the prototype’s early design.
Prominent upgrades include:
- Enlarged louvres and opening panels to enhance cooling airflow.
- Re-configured underbody channels for improved air management.
- Adjusted front uprights and air intakes for better cooling efficiency.
- A redesigned rear wing to minimize drag and optimize balance.
Aslan confirmed the H24EVO remains on schedule for testing in 2026, with critical deadlines approaching, including a freeze on the chassis and cooling architecture by November 2025, and final bodywork completion by February 2026.
The H24EVO serves as a proof of concept ahead of a planned ruleset allowing competitive hydrogen prototypes in Le Mans and the FIA WEC, although no definitive timeline for racing has been established. “I cannot confirm racing readiness before late 2027, as it depends on our validation schedule,” Aslan stated.
Fillon reiterated ambitions for the hydrogen ruleset to debut by “2028 or 2029,” with hopes of preliminary regulations being published early next year. He mentioned that “more than four” manufacturers are currently engaged in discussions about hydrogen motorsport, underscoring Toyota’s pivotal role in this initiative.
Toyota continues to develop its GR LH2 Racing Concept, which also utilizes liquid hydrogen, with a test scheduled soon. Nakajima emphasized that the aim is not solely competitive success but also advancing societal adoption of hydrogen technology: “Racing is the best showcase for hydrogen, and we aim to demonstrate its viability step by step.”
Performance parity between hydrogen prototypes and existing Hypercars remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions on potential equivalence regulations. Fillon indicated a transition phase between 2030 and the next generation of Hypercars is anticipated.
In conclusion, as the sector evolves, the partnership between MissionH24 and Toyota could significantly shape the future of hydrogen in motorsport, though challenges regarding performance and investment remain to be addressed.
